Tesla Motors: Model S Is Perfect For Winter (Video)

Tesla Motors released today a video on how well adapted the Model S is to winter conditions.

“Chris Porritt, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, describes the unique features of Model S that make it such a remarkable car in colder climates. From its innovative chassis design, to the instant responsiveness of its electric powertrain, to its state-of-the-art software features, there has never been an all-weather sedan quite like Model S.”

In a separate e-mail to subscribers, Tesla adds that the Model S is so good in winter that all-wheel-drive is not necessary. Hopefully, this will not stop Tesla from making an all-wheel-drive version of the Model S with two motors like in Model X.

The important thing to note is that in winter is the Model S’ liquid thermal control system that “dynamically heats and cools powertrain components [including battery pack] to maintain range and power” and the remote temperature control.

The video ends appropriately with the handles ejecting without mercy to ice.

I’m sure your drive use water as a power, history has shown that technology move forward even with mental disable brains against it. Just an idea, you can find elephants and electroshock them in public as Edisson did in the AC vs DC war, I’m sure your Tea Parties would be so happy showing how an AMERCAN EV is dangerous.

Yeah, I always intently listen to these videos to see what is NOT said. This video may fool Southern Californians, but that door handle thing at the end was really a joke. There was no ice to speak of there at all. A friend of mine at Tesla has basically said nearly all the early model S’s had to have their handle actuators replaced under warranty. My volt also has the same problem with its silly charge port door. (Why Silly? Because until you OPEN the door, there is nothing to steal, so there is no point in HIGH SECURITY prior to that point – this is one point where Lutz must have had a ‘senior moment”, or else they didn’t fly it past him for review). This silly design was dropped in 2014.

They have NEVER addressed the heat loss from the battery pack during 0-10 degree fahrenheit weather, they just told Broder inaccurate info, and then Musk piled on about not plugging in , in a juvenile matter.

As far as Tesla’s response on the 120V/12 amp issue, as far as I know I was the first to call attention that plugging in during very cold weather, the car theoretically would lose charge, EVEN though being plugged in. (1840 watts loss, 1440 makeup- hence 400 watt loss overall). Then the Minnesota Tesla driver proved it by plugging in at 70 miles range (cabin heat all off), and rearriveing to her car to find 53 miles range after (DIS) charging.

As far as preheating the cabin off the charge port, as far as I know, only the Tesla Roadster may not be preheated this way. I would imagine all other EV’s can do this so if this engineer is listing this as a “great feature”, he must not have much to positively list.

Is the charge port manual unlock or does it have a solenoid? My Volt’s charge port has trouble in the winter. I’m wondering how the Tesla would do? Also coating the handles in ice is not the same as having the internal mechanisms ice up. It’s an impressive demonstration, but I’d rather read about real world reports from wintry conditions customers who leave their car parked outside overnight. Also how many kW does the heating system draw when it’s on max? My Volt can draw up to 8kW sometimes (typically 6kW though on max heat).

Kdawg I would imagine the heater draws plenty, but then the minimum charge rate Tesla now recomends is 8 kw. So Plugging in at that rate certainly helps conserve battery range when preheating the cabin. Also, others here can give more detail, but in moderate climates or during the spring and fall, the system can run its heat pump for an improvement of heat output with somewhat less power draw.